Abdi Jama

Wheelchair Basketball

"As a kid, wheelchair basketball gave me another purpose in life after my accident. It gave me confidence and the belief that you can do anything."

At the age of 14-years-old, Abdi broke his back after falling out of a window. Introduced to wheelchair basketball by current GB teammate Ade Orogbemi at a school taster session, Abdi has since gone on to become one of the best 1.0 players in the world. "I chose wheelchair basketball because I already had previous interest in it before my accident. I love the team aspect of it and having team mates. I don't really suit individual sports, I like the comradery that comes with being in a team. The biggest challenge I encountered was accessibility. Finding a basketball court that's accessible can be very difficult. Even if the court is okay, the showers and toilet facilities are generally inaccessible".

Starting out with local Liverpool club the Vikings, wheelchair basketball continues to see Abdi travel the world with a playing career that in addition to international events with Great Britain has seen him play for clubs in Italy, Spain, and Australia. "Wheelchair basketball is fast, challenging and mentally toughens you up. You don't have to be amazing to play - and regardless of your ability, you can play. It's a great sport for everyone". A double European Champion with the GB Junior Team, Abdi won bronze at his Paralympic debut in Beijing (2008). In 2010, Abdi then assisted the senior GB Team to 5th place at the World Championships before, in 2011, playing a fundamental role in the team’s gold medal campaign at the 2011 European Championships.

Abdi’s second Paralympic Games in 2012 saw him named co-captain of ParalympicsGB’s Wheelchair Basketball Team with Matt Byrne, leading them to the bronze medal game where they narrowly lost to the USA. 2013 saw Abdi continue to build upon his international success, captaining Great Britain to a consecutive European Championship gold medal (Frankfurt, Germany).

In 2014 Abdi once again received the honour of being called up to Captain the GB Men’s Team, this time at the World Championships in South Korea. Then, the following year, Abdi played a crucial role in assisting the GB Men to their third consecutive European gold. "This sport has given me a lot of friends. As a kid, it gave me another purpose in life after my accident. It gave me confidence and the belief that you can do anything. My goal is to inspire the next generation. I actually do voluntary work in my local youth centres in Liverpool. I'm hoping to wider my field to Sheffield and Leicester too. I just want kids to stay out of trouble and see me as a role model".